Mayors of Main Street
Welcome to Mayors of Main Street—the podcast that delves into the heart of American communities by exploring the experiences and insights of some of the longest-serving mayors in the country. Hosted by Mayor Kristine Lott, this podcast brings you compelling stories of public service, community challenges, and the triumphs that define local leadership.
Mayor Kristine Lott, the first woman to hold the mayoral office in Winooski, Vermont, is no stranger to community engagement and leadership. Her journey into local politics began in 2017 when she was appointed to the Housing Commission for Winooski. In 2018, she took a bold step by running for a City Council seat, which she won and served with distinction. By January 2019, the incumbent mayor's resignation paved the way for her to run for mayor, and she was elected on March 5, 2019, with a platform centered on financial sustainability, housing affordability, and active community involvement. Since then, she has been re-elected and continues to serve her community with vigor and vision.
Throughout her tenure, Mayor Lott has made significant strides in formalizing and expanding community engagement, improving local ordinances to boost voting participation and housing affordability, and steering through key infrastructure projects despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable projects under her leadership include the revitalization of Main Street, the rehabilitation of a community pool, and the development of a municipal parking garage, hotel, and workforce housing.
Born in Southwest Michigan, Mayor Lott earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. In 2009, she moved to Vermont, where she now resides with her husband, a lifelong Winooski resident. Balancing her mayoral duties with her role as Director of Operations for an education non-profit, she embodies dedication and resilience.
Join Mayor Kristine Lott on Mayors of Main Street as she interviews fellow mayors delving into their personal journeys, the issues they face, and the impactful decisions they make every day. Each episode provides an in-depth look at the unique challenges and rewards of leading a community, offering herself and listeners valuable insights and inspiration from the frontlines of local governance.
Mayors of Main Street
Mayor Allen Joines of Winston-Salem, North Carolina
In the latest episode of the Mayors of Main Street podcast, Mayor Kristine Lott interviews Mayor Allen Joines of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a long-serving public official who has been in office since 2001. Mayor Joines shares his background as a former city manager and explains the transition to an elected role, which he initially took on for just one term. He details how he helped guide Winston-Salem's economic shift from a traditional manufacturing base to an economy focused on innovation and growth. The discussion highlights some of his administration's major accomplishments, including the creation of over 29,000 jobs and a remarkable 92% reduction in chronic homelessness through a collaborative, data-driven approach.
Mayor Joines also offers insights into the challenges of the mayoral role, such as the public's misconceptions about its power and the need to constantly educate citizens on government structures. He discusses Winston-Salem's ongoing efforts to address affordable housing and combat violent crime, sharing details about a successful prevention-focused program that has led to a significant decrease in homicides. The conversation also touches on his personal life, his love for outdoor activities, and the influence of his mentor, former Charleston mayor Joe Riley. Mayor Joines concludes by expressing his optimism for Winston-Salem's future and highlighting its vibrant cultural scene, including museums and its connection to the late Maya Angelou.